Richardson outlines furlough proposal

SANTA FE (AP) - Gov. Bill Richardson proposes that state worker furloughs occur around upcoming holidays starting with Christmas Eve.

The governor's office released a draft plan Monday that would time five unpaid furloughs so most executive branch agencies can shut down for four-day holiday weekends.

Richardson has ordered the furloughs because of a budget shortfall.

The furloughs do not apply to public schools, colleges and courts.

Richardson proposed furloughs on Dec. 24 and another on Dec. 31, New Year's Eve.

A furlough is planned for Jan. 15, the Friday before the Martin Luther King holiday, and on April 2, replacing half-day leave otherwise allowed for Good Friday. The final furlough would be Friday, May 28, for the Memorial Day weekend.

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Also on the Web: State Personnel Office Furlough FAQ